We have used and reviewed flight simulators in this publication since shortly after the first issue. We long ago formed the opinion that even the most basic desktop model can help a pilot learn new techniques, skills and procedures faster than in an aircraft in flight-airplanes truly are lousy classrooms-and that simulators are excellent tools for keeping VFR and IFR skills honed.
As technology advanced simulators became more and more capable of replicating the aircraft they mimicked. Along the way, the FAA updated its regulations to allow credit for time spent “flying” certain sims toward pilot certificates, type ratings and required recency of flight experience.